A Rainy Start to the 2013 Montana Fishing Season [AUDIO]

Rain soaked many who set out to start the 2013 Montana fishing season, but that did not deter thousands of men, women and children who set out to fish the state's lakes, rivers and streams.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesman Ron Aasheim said all told, people will spend a great deal of time fishing this season.

"People spend almost three million days a year fishing," Aasheim said on Monday morning. "The heaviest pressure is on our lakes, which may be surprising to some. About two-thirds of the people will be fishing on Montana's lakes. All told, people will spend over $300 million dollars on fishing activities in the state."

Aasheim listed the top eight fishing destinations in the state.

""The Madison river is the number one spot in Montana as far as numbers of days," Aasheim began. "Canyon Ferry reservoir is second, the Missouri river is third, the Bighorn River is fourth, Holter Reservoir is fifth, Georgetown Lake is seventh and the Bitterroot River if eighth."

Aasheim was careful to steer fishermen to the bigger rivers and lakes where the high water is not as much of a hazard.

"Big rivers like the Missouri are much safer," Aasheim said. "People do need to be careful and check out conditions ahead of time. In a lot of those smaller rivers, its a good idea to stay off of them for a little while."

Aasheim said, for the price of a license, fishing is the best bargain in the state.

"We have such a long season, and such diversity," Aasheim said. "Small streams, large streams, the rivers and streams, the blue ribbon trout streams, warm water, cold water fish, Montana's a remarkable place to fish."